On Wednesday, the Russian Navy launched Kalibr cruise missiles on ISIS targets east of the Syrian ancient city of Palmyra.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD), the missiles hit a gathering of ISIS fighters and military equipment that had been deployed to the area from the ISIS-held city of Raqqah.

“The Admiral Essen frigate and the Krasnodar submarine currently deployed to the eastern section of the Mediterranean Sea, fired four Kalibr missiles at the IS facilities near Palmyra. All targets have been hit,” the MoD statement reads.

Earlier this month, reporst appeared in the Russian media that the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) may make a deal with ISIS inside Raqqah allowing terrorists to redeploy from the terrorist group’s stronghold to other fronts in Syria.

A good contribution from the Russian Navy against the enemy butchers. The Kaliber missile (NATO codename: SS-N-27 Sizzler) usually has a warhead of ~ 500 kg.

FlorianGeyer

It is also a demonstration of what could befall the US and NATO + their terrorist mercenaries in Al Tanf and if ‘Push comes to shove’ , the US bases in Jordan.

Night Hunter

Just saying we are here too.

Valery Grigoryev

It’s costly. Now they’re just making a regular drills to check systems.

Ronald

Costly , is not checking systems . Actually surprised that Russia has not deployed more of their top of the line helicopters , for checking systems and working the deficiencies out .

Valery Grigoryev

As I know, MI28 Nighthunters and KA52 Alligators work there.

Wahid Algiers

Right.

John Whitehot

iirc the land attack variant is called “SS-N-30”

Jesus

It is a preview of the Russian capabilities using Caliber and Iskander missiles to attack any gathering of jihadis or concentration points.

Barba_Papa

It seems like an expensive capability though. An airstrike only costs jet fuel, and some cheap iron bombs, methinks a cruise missile is a lot more expensive. Didn’t we make fun of that fact after the American cruise missile attack not that long ago? Maybe the RuAF and SAF couldn’t scramble an airstrike in time?

Although the idea of using cruise missiles could be a good reminder to the US and its cronies that their forces around Al Tanf could be attacked with impunity.

Daniel Castro

Probably they needed an unexpected attack at that moment to take out some strategic target,

George King

Kalibr has terrain hugging abilities under radar and defies ISIS handlers ability (AWACS and satellite) to give the terrorist a heads up to clear the area om short notice.

Wolfgang Wolf

RUS uses this scenario as test-bed for adjusting and improving the combat capabilities of that missile systems. its not about economical sense

Valery Grigoryev

Just a regular drills, not more.

TS

Maybe there where some visual and radio signals of MANPADS or the likes (JAVELIN; multipurpose). One also has to remember that the Russian cost of manufacture is 1/5th to 1/10th that of USA production except for jets.. It is the summer season and time to run live drills anyway.

John Whitehot

bullshit. If they launched a cruise strike it’s not because “they couldn’t scramble an airstrike” but for operational reasons.

Besides, when talking about “costly”. I’d think about 59 tomahawks of which only 23 hit an airbase that restarted operations the following day. Not 4 cruises that destroy all their targets (with videos to back that).

Jesus

I do know what the exact price of a Kaliber missile is, I believe it is less than a Tomahawk, cheaper and far more capable weapon. The jihadi gatherings and concentrations are not only susceptible to air attacks, cruise missile and ballistic missile attacks can be just as deadly. The US. cruise missile attack was a joke because it’s results were a joke. US can try to flex its air power in south or south eastern Syria, Russia without involving its Air Force can strike targets using its missiles with very good results. If Russia decides to use its Air Force in conjuction with its surface to surface missile forces, US and its allies would be at a distinct disadvantage.

Solomon Krupacek

I do know what the exact price of a Kaliber missile is

tell it us, lords son!

Jesus

It’s a typo error, “not” did not appear in the typed text. It should read, I do not know the exact price….etc

MN

Certainly it is more intended to demonstrate the Russian capabilities and cruise missiles eficiency. Note that they placed previously planes or helis filming the location of targets and ships as well. All the time consumed in that could be made easily with a bomber. The objective is show power, marketing of the kaliber missiles for potential customers and a signal to the opposition.

Valery Grigoryev

You’re absolutely right:)

John Brown

Yeah the Russian deal with ISIS is Russian bombs and missiles destroy ISIS!

goingbrokes

Interesting. Sure it is a demonstration of power by the Russians. But there is something else going on. From receiving the targeting data it takes the Kalibr about 30 minutes or more to reach the vicinity of Raqqah. So it can’t be a moving target. Or even something to be moved soon. Weapons storage or maybe a high level meeting at a known time. But if it is an important strike it won’t be a test. If it is a test it won’t be an important target. In my opinion it is not a test – the war is not a testing ground at the moment. So it is probably an important target, or an important warning.

Orcbuu

Maby some CIA Mossad Saudi scum lieing in the Dirt, right now, we all have seen it but didnt know it was this important.